90s Frosted Makeup: Trends, Tutorials & Products

Get ready to dust off your old makeup bags and unleash your inner Spice Girl! The 90s frosted makeup trend is making a triumphant comeback, bringing with it a wave of shimmery nostalgia. From the icy gleam of frosted eyeshadows to the pearlescent glow of lipsticks, this trend celebrates the bold, playful spirit of a decade that embraced experimentation and individuality.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of 90s frosted makeup, exploring its iconic trends, offering step-by-step tutorials, and revealing the best products to recreate this dazzling look.

The Rise of Frosted Makeup in the 90s

The 90s witnessed a dramatic shift in the beauty landscape, moving away from the heavy, matte makeup of the 80s towards a lighter, more playful approach. This shift was fueled by emerging subcultures like grunge and rave culture, where experimentation and self-expression were paramount.

Here's why frosted makeup became a defining trend of the decade:

The Grunge Influence: The grunge movement, with its focus on rebellion and authenticity, celebrated a more natural approach to beauty. However, the trend also introduced a touch of sparkle through shimmery eyeshadows and glittery lip glosses.
The Rave Culture: The rave scene embraced bold, colorful makeup, often featuring iridescent textures and glitter. This influence brought a more vibrant, fun aspect to the frosted makeup trend.
The Evolution of Makeup Products: The 90s saw the introduction of innovative makeup products, including frosted eyeshadow palettes, shimmery lip glosses, and pearlescent foundations. These products allowed makeup enthusiasts to experiment with new textures and finishes, pushing the boundaries of traditional makeup looks.

Iconic 90s Frosted Makeup Trends

The 90s frosted makeup trend was all about embracing a playful, experimental approach to beauty. Here are some of the most iconic trends that defined the era:

1. Frosted Eyeshadows:

Shimmery Eyeshadows: The 90s saw a plethora of iridescent eyeshadows in shades like silver, gold, and bronze. These eyeshadows were often applied generously across the entire eyelid, creating a bold, eye-catching look.
Frosting the Lid: This technique involved applying a thin layer of frosted eyeshadow across the eyelid and blending it outwards, creating a subtle sheen that enhanced natural eye shape.
Metallic Eyeshadows: The 90s also saw the rise of metallic eyeshadows, often used for a smoky eye look or to create a dramatic statement.

2. Frosted Lipsticks:

Glossy Lips: Lip gloss was a staple of 90s makeup, offering a high-shine finish that added a touch of glamour to any look. Popular colors included clear gloss, pink gloss, and brown gloss.
Pearlescent Lipsticks: These lipsticks, available in a range of colors from nude to pink to red, added a subtle sheen to the lips, creating a soft, glamorous look.
Shimmery Lip Liners: Lip liners with a frosted finish were popular for defining the lips and adding a touch of sparkle to lipsticks.

3. Frosted Foundations and Highlighters:

Shimmering Foundations: The 90s introduced foundations with a pearlescent finish, creating a soft, glowing complexion.
Highlighters: While highlighting is a mainstay of modern makeup, the 90s saw the rise of cream and powder highlighters that added a subtle sheen to the cheekbones and brow bones.

How to Recreate 90s Frosted Makeup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a simple guide to recreate the iconic 90s frosted makeup look:

1. Prep Your Skin: Begin by cleansing and moisturizing your skin.

2. Apply Foundation: Choose a foundation with a light, dewy finish. Apply a thin layer using a makeup sponge or brush.

3. Highlight the High Points: Apply a cream or powder highlighter to your cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid's bow.

4. Create Frosted Eyelids: Choose a shimmery eyeshadow in silver, gold, or bronze. Apply this eyeshadow across the entire eyelid, blending it gently outwards. You can also add a touch of shimmery eyeshadow to the inner corner of your eye for added emphasis.

5. Complete the Look: Apply a coat of clear or tinted lip gloss to your lips.

Must-Have 90s Frosted Makeup Products

Here are some essential products for recreating the 90s frosted makeup look:

Eyeshadows:

Maybelline New York The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette: This palette offers a range of neutral shades with a subtle shimmer, perfect for recreating iconic 90s eye looks.
Urban Decay Naked2 Palette: This iconic palette features both matte and shimmery shades, including the iconic “Foxy” and “Sin,” which are perfect for achieving the 90s frosted look.

Lip Products:

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer: This multi-purpose gloss is available in a variety of shades and offers a high-shine finish.
Kylie Cosmetics High Gloss Lip Gloss: Kylie's line of glosses comes in various colors and textures, including shimmery and iridescent finishes.

Foundations:

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation: This foundation offers a light, radiant finish perfect for achieving a natural glow.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation: This foundation offers a soft matte finish but can be paired with a highlighter to create a subtle sheen.

Highlighters:

Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up! Highlighter: This cult classic cream highlighter creates a soft, natural glow that enhances the high points of the face.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder: This finely-milled powder highlighter offers a radiant finish that can be used to subtly illuminate the face.

FAQs about 90s Frosted Makeup

1. Can I wear frosted makeup on all skin types?

Yes! Frosted makeup can be worn by all skin types. For oily skin, opt for lighter formulas and apply sparingly to avoid a greasy look. For dry skin, use a moisturizing primer beforehand and layer products lightly.

2. Should I use frosted makeup on all areas of my face?

It's best to focus on highlighting specific areas like the cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid's bow. Avoid using frosted makeup on the entire face as it can create an unnatural, overly shiny appearance.

3. What are some alternative makeup products that can achieve a similar look?

You can achieve a similar shimmering effect by using glitter-infused eyeshadows and lip glosses. These products offer a more intense, glamorous look than traditional frosted makeup.

Conclusion: The Comeback of 90s Frosted Makeup

The 90s frosted makeup trend is back, and there's no better time to experiment with its playful, rebellious spirit. Embrace the shimmer, embrace the gloss, and channel your inner Spice Girl to create a look that's both nostalgic and modern.

Ready to unleash your inner 90s beauty guru? Follow our tips, try out the recommended products, and have fun exploring the world of frosted makeup!